Your teeth look like tiny bone pieces on the jaw, but what are they really? If you consider both of them as same, we can’t blame you. However, you should know that teeth and bones are not the same. They do look alike because of their main constituent, which is calcium.
Your teeth are entirely different from bones. For starters, their composition is different. Your bones do not have multiple layers in them, while teeth do. Let’s discuss this in further detail.
What Makes Teeth and Bones Different?
At a glance, both are sturdy white structures, so it is normal to think that they are the same. Let’s have a look at some common differences between these two.
Components
One component is the same, which gives both their characteristic look, and that is calcium. Teeth and bones have other minerals also in them, but the latter has an extra compound – collagen. This element is actually a protein that gives bones strength, making them strong enough to sustain body weight.
While teeth lack it; therefore, they can only bear the pressures of biting and chewing.
Healing Power
Regeneration or healing power is only seen in bones and not teeth. Latter, once broken, cannot get back to normal. This is the reason why when one suffers from cavities on teeth, a chip or crack; only external methods can fix the problem. Bones are a collection of living tissue, such as osteoblasts, that aid in tissue regeneration.
Structural Difference
The presence of teeth is limited to the oral cavity in normal individuals, whereas bones make up the entire skeletal system that holds our bodies upright.
Teeth Anatomy Up-close
Those pearly whites residing in your mouth may seem like small pebbles, but in reality, they are a 4 layered structure that house sensitive nerves in them.
- Enamel
- Dentin
- Cementum
- Pulp
Enamel is the outermost layer protecting the inner layers from external factors such as food items.
Dentin is present right under the enamel. It contains small tubules, a sensitive part encapsulating the gums. Its main function is sending sensations or signals from the teeth toward the nerves.
The cementum is layer number 3, more like a bridge between the root and gums. It is present under the gum, which helps the teeth stay erect on the jaw bones.
The pulp is also known as the heart of the tooth. Its main function is sending signals to the brain in case of any sort of activity. The pulp is the hub of nerves and blood vessels.
Final take out
By the end of this blog, we are sure that all your queries have been taken care of. Teeth and bones may look similar but are not; they have their differences. If you are suffering from any issues such as a chipped tooth or cavities on or in between teeth, contact dentists from Dr. Jeevandas Ghatnekar setup. Call at (949) 552-1380 for an appointment.